Mobile phone personal defense device

ABSTRACT

A personal defense device may attach to a mobile electronic device, such as a mobile phone, smart phone, blackberry, mp3 player, iPod® or the like. The defense device may interact with the mobile electronic device and would include one or more deterrent, such as a chemical deterrent, sound, light, electrical or projectile which would be emitted from the device. Since personal defense devices are only effective when people have them close at hand, most mobile phone users keep their phone readily available. Thus, a personal defense device, attached to their mobile phone, would also be readily available.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to personal safety devices and, more particularly, to a personal defense device that attaches to a portable electronic device, such as a mobile phone.

Personal protective devices may be carried by people but, when needed, may not be readily available. For example, a woman may carry pepper spray in their purses, but, since it is something not readily used, it may take substantial time to retrieve during an attack or in a similar situation.

Other personal protective devices, such as handguns, may be heavy to carry, may require special permits and registration, and may be easily identified by others as a weapon.

As can be seen, there is a need for a personal defense device that may be readily retrieved when needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a defense device comprises a housing adapted to attach to a portable electronic device; at least one security feature available to a user of the defense device; and an activation button adapted to activate the at least one security feature when depressed by the user.

In another aspect of the present invention, a mobile phone personal defense device comprises a housing adapted to attach to a mobile phone; at least one security feature available to a user of the defense device; and an activation button adapted to activate the at least one security feature when depressed by the user, wherein the at least one security feature is selected from the group consisting of a chemical deterrent, electrical probes, audible alerts, lights, audio recording, video recording and an automatic communication of a user's location.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a left side perspective view of a personal defense device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, installed on a mobile phone;

FIG. 2 is a right side perspective view of the personal defense device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the personal defense device of FIG. 1, removed from the mobile phone;

FIG. 4 is a back side perspective view of the personal defense device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the personal defense device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a back view of the personal defense device of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 is a back side perspective view of the personal defense device of FIG. 1 with a protective door open to expose an activation button.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a personal defense device that may mount on a mobile electronic device, such as a mobile phone, smart phone, blackberry, mp3 player, iPod® or the like. The defense device may interact with the mobile electronic device and would include one or more deterrent, such as a chemical deterrent, sound, light, electrical or projectile which would be emitted from the device. Since personal defense devices are only effective when people have them close at hand, most mobile phone users keep their phone readily available. Thus, a personal defense device, attached to their mobile phone, would also be readily available.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 7, a personal defense device 10 (also referred to as defense device 10) may include a housing 14 adapted to attach to a portable electronic device 12, such as a mobile phone. The defense device 10 may connect to the electronic device 12 and may draw power therefrom. In some embodiments, the defense device 10 may include its own power supply, such as a rechargeable battery (not shown). The housing 14 may be shaped to include an equipment enclosure 18 that may encase the electronic device 12.

The defense device 10 may include one or more security features. For example, the defense device 10 may include electrical prongs 16 that may act similar to a stun gun. The defense device 10 may include an exit hole 20 through which a chemical defense agent, such as pepper spray, may exit when the defense device 10 is activated. The defense device 10 may include a speaker (not shown) for activating an audible alert. In some embodiments, the defense device 10 may use the speaker of the electronic device 12. The audible alert may be a tone or a prerecorded voice message, such as “Help! I'm being attacked!” The defense device 10 may include lights (not shown) that may also illuminate or flash to attract attention when the defense device 10 is activated.

The defense device 10 may include an activation button 26 that may be depressed by an operator 28 to activate the one or more security features described above. The defense device 10 may include an activation button protection door 24 that may prevent accidental depression of the activation button 26. An activation button door open button 22 may be disposed on the defense device 10 to open the activation button protection door 24. In some embodiments, other actions may activate the one or more security features. For example, the defense device 10 may be programmed to activate certain security features when the defense device 10 hears a certain sound or word, or when the defense device 10 encounters a sudden movement or when the activation button protection door 24 is opened.

When the activation button 26 is depressed, in addition to activating one or more of the security features, the defense device 10 may work with the electronic device 12 to provide additional security features. For example, the defense device 10 may signal the electronic device 12 to begin recording sounds and or photos and/or video for a predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, the defense device 10 may signal the electronic device 12 to call 911. The defense device 10 may alert the 911 operator, via a pre-recorded message, that the defense device 10 has initiated a defensive action and may need help. The defense device 10 may further alert the 911 operator of the position of the electronic device 12 when the electronic device 12 is equipped with a GPS locator (not shown). In other embodiments, the defense device 10 may interact with the electronic device 12 to send data via the electronic device's capabilities, including, for example, the internet, a phone call, a text, an email, and the like. The electronic device 12 may be programmed to send an emergency alert to a 911 or other similar operator, or to persons in the user's contact list on the electronic device 12. Data transmission can include photos, video, audio—either pre-recorded or sent in real time, GPS location, device owner's identity and the like.

The defense device 10 may be used for personal safety or may be issued to military or police personnel. For example, if issued to a police officer, the defense device 10 may attach to the officer's portable radio.

The defense device 10 may include appropriate electronics (not shown) that may provide for the various security features described above. The electronics may further be programmable so that, if multiple security features are available to a user, the user may determine, through programming, which security features are to be activated when the activation button 26 is depressed.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A defense device comprising: a housing adapted to attach to a portable electronic device; at least one security feature available to a user of the defense device; and an activation button adapted to activate the at least one security feature when depressed by the user.
 2. The defense device of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device is a mobile phone.
 3. The defense device of claim 1, wherein the at least one security feature is selected from the group consisting of a chemical deterrent, electrical probes, audible alerts, lights, audio recording, video recording and an automatic communication of a user's location.
 4. The defense device of claim 2, wherein the defense device is adapted to dial a predetermined recipient when the activation button is depressed.
 5. The defense device of claim 1, further comprising an activation button door removably disposed over the activation button.
 6. The defense device of claim 5, further comprising an activation button door open button adapted to open the activation button door when depressed.
 7. A mobile phone personal defense device comprising: a housing adapted to attach to a mobile phone; at least one security feature available to a user of the defense device; and an activation button adapted to activate the at least one security feature when depressed by the user, wherein the at least one security feature is selected from the group consisting of a chemical deterrent, electrical probes, audible alerts and lights.
 8. The defense device of claim 7, further comprising an activation button door removably disposed over the activation button.
 9. The defense device of claim 8, further comprising an activation button door open button adapted to open the activation button door when depressed. 